Jamaican PM Andrew Holness announces new National Identification System
Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness announced to a packed room of financial sector leaders at the Pegasus Hotel, Monday, October 10, 2016, that a National Identification System (NIDS) will soon be implemented.
Holness declared that this long promised identification system would be implemented two years before the projected date of 2020 … “A cradle to grave ” identification system the PM declared to thunderous applause. This new National Identification System is coming January 2018. The long tooted National Identification System (NIDS). has been promoted by Vernon Derby, a media personality on local radio, in Jamaica
The Prime Minister was speaking at the 5th Annual staging of an awareness session being held in Kingston, Jamaica W.I. entitled “Anti- Money Laundering/Counter-Financing Of Terrorism Conference under the theme “Understanding our Obligations … Safeguarding our Future.” being held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, October 10/11, 2016.
Biometrics will be a part of this proposed identification system.
asserted the P.M.
Money-Laundering
Turning to the money laundering issue, the PM warned that: “There are those who try to use our financial network for criminal reasons. White collar crimes are more difficult to prosecute. Money-laundering saps up about 2.5 percent of global economy.”
The PM set two main goals;
- Reduce hassle on low risk transactions for example, insurance premium payments
- Strengthen the seizure of assets acquired from ill gotten funds.
In concluding the PM stressed that: We have to collectively maintain our focus. Unified approach is the key to safeguard our future & ultimately prosperity.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie was there and filed this report for Vision Newspaper Canada.
